Cruising with Honey's 2023 Cruise Recap. Anchors Aweigh!
By Cruising With Honey - 15:05
My Year Of Cruising the Seven Continents Of The World
It’s New Year’s Eve 2023 and it’s almost overwhelming to think about the privileges I’ve been given this year. The pace has been so fast that I don’t believe I’ve really digested the cruises and countries I’ve visited, let alone the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve been so fortunate to have had.
Destination - Antarctica
Cruiseline - Swan Hellenic
Ship - SH Vega
Ship numbers - 122 crew, 158, Guests 9 Decks, gross tonnage 10,617
Best memory
It’s almost impossible to pick out one ‘best memory’ as the whole experience was extraordinary. When people ask me, “What is the best cruise you’ve been on?” I reply that nothing will ever compare to cruising to Antarctica.
I was so nervous before embarking on this expedition. It was a LONG way from Sydney and I was anxious to be so far from my family. However, every single moment was incredible. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changed my perspective on life. The beauty is near impossible to describe, the feeling of solitude and inner quiet is powerful and the privilege of actually visiting this most remote place on earth is priceless.
Plus, jumping in the Weddell Sea in near-freezing temps is now my biggest flex! More than 2 million people have now seen that moment.
But, to note a few, I would have to say:
• Seeing the first iceberg
• Walking on continental Antarctica
• The penguins and orcas
• Taking the Polar Plunge
• Cruising through the Paradise Bay – the most breathtaking place I’ve ever seen.
Not so best memory
The Drake Passage. I’ve never felt so seasick in my life! I got the super shake Drake.
Word of the cruise
Extraordinary
Grateful to…
Brigita Devries and Julie Jones. The incredible team aboard SH Vega and my fellow passengers, many who are now friends for life.
Numbers at a glance
7 flights
1 night pre-cruise in Buenos Aires
1 cruise
10 nights at sea
Two expeditions per day
5 cities (Dallas, Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Miami, Los Angeles)
2 countries (United States, Argentina)
3 Continents (North America, South America, Antarctica)
February
Destination - New Zealand and Tasmania
Cruiseline - Princess
Ship - Majestic Princess
Ship numbers - 1300 crew, 3500 guests, 15 decks, gross tonnage 140, 000
Best memory
This was the shortest turnaround between cruises I’ve ever had! 40 hours between arriving home from Antarctica and then flying to Dunedin, New Zealand. I actually got pulled up at Sydney airport to explain my travel!
New Zealand’s natural beauty is by far the standout. Dunedin is stunning and untamed. It was also great to finally get to Tasmania and try a famous Scallop Pie.
Not so best memory
The weather took a nasty turn and we unfortunately had to skip the beautiful fiordland. However the silver lining was spending several sea days on the beautiful Majestic Princess and use the MedallionApp
Destination - Cambodia and Vietnam
Cruiseline - Emerald Cruises
Ship - Emerald Harmony
Ship numbers 40 Crew, 84 Guests, 4 Decks, length 239ft
Best memory
Being surprised by my best friend Jo Jo, who booked without my knowledge and surprised me at the hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
I’d never had the urge to really explore Cambodia and Vietnam, and being immersed in this beautiful culture and warm people was truly amazing. A weird thing also happened, I formed a bond, a connection with the Mekong River. I know is sounds odd, but being on a river is completely different to cruising the sea. I love the deep life it resonated.
The crew were impeccable. Some of the best. The shore excursions full of life and colour and fun!
Not so best memory
This one is still hard to write about, and while it was gut wrenching and soul shredding, visiting the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum in Cambodia was vital. I cried buckets and a deep sadness overtook me. However, it was imperative to acknowledge, pay my respects and remember the lives lost.
Word of the cruise
Spirituality
Grateful to…
Angus Crichton and Judith Hainke. I have so much love for you both.
Numbers at a glance
3 flights
1 night pre-cruise in Phnom Penh
1 cruise
7 nights at sea/river
7 port stops
6 cities (Phnom Penh, Saigon, Prek Kadam, Tan Chau, Tam Nong, Sa Dec)
2 countries (Cambodia, Vietnam)
1 Continent (Asia)
Seeing a ship being built was awesome. Walking around the cables and half finished walls, I could imagine how this incredible ship will look like when she is finished. I even signed my name on one of the walls, deck 8 port, aft. I know this will be covered up, but I know my signature is part of the Sun Princess lore.
Not so best memory
The visit was too short.
Word of the cruise
Aperol Spritz!
Grateful to…
Meg Koffel and my new tech guru friend Geoff Quattromani who joined us on the adventure
Numbers at a glance
4 flights
2 nights Venice
1 ship tour
3 cities (Venice, Trieste, Dubai)
2 countries (Italy, UAE)
2 continents (Europe, Asia)
April
I thought I’d include this cruise despite not actually cruising. I had planned to be aboard with the group I organised and celebrate my wedding anniversary. The group did cruise aboard Celebrity Eclipse, however I did not due to a few issues which rendered me without a cabin. I was offered a cabin two days before sailing at a very inflated price and had to make the difficult decision for the group to sail without me.
Destination - Cruise to nowhere (Out at sea from Sydney)
Cruiseline - Celebrity Cruises
Ship - Celebrity Eclipse
Not so best memory
Not cruising with my group
Word of the cruise
Heartbroken
Grateful to…
My lovely group who still cruised and had provided me lots of feedback on a ship and a cruiseline I have not yet sailed.
June
Destination - Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays
Cruiseline - P&O Australia
Ship - Pacific Encounter
Ship numbers 1100 Crew, 2600 Guests, 14 Decks, tonnage 108,865
Best memory
Finally cruising on Encounter and snorkelling in a different part of the Great Barrier Reef. Seeing so many crew members who I hadn’t seen in two years. They make my heart so full.
Not so best memory
Nothing to post here other than the grey weather.
Word of the cruise
Jetboat
Grateful to…
Lynne Scrivens, SEC Newgate, Goode PR
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
1 cruise
4 nights at sea
1 port stop
2 cities (Brisbane, Airlie Beach)
1 country (Australia)
1 continent (Australia)
July
Destination - Moreton Island, Queensland
Cruiseline - Carnival Cruiseline Australia,
Ship - Carnival Splendor
Ship numbers 1150 Crew, 3000 Guests, 13 Decks, tonnage 113,300
Best memory
It was the Honey Birthday Cruise! Cruising with a huge group of Cruising With Honey family members PLUS Mr Cruising With Honey PLUS my parents. The crew made a HUGE big deal for my birthday – cocktail party, massive cake and lots of lovely treats.
Not so best memory
The buffet has really slipped in quality. Very sad.
Word of the cruise
Birthday Cruise
Grateful to…
Kara Glamour, Amy Ward and the incredible crew
Numbers at a glance
0 flights
1 cruise
4 nights at sea
1 port stop
1 city/island (Moreton Island)
1 country (Australia)
1 continent (Australasia)
September
I don’t know why I feel a tad melancholy writing this recap. Maybe it’s because I’ve achieved so much more than all my wildest dreams combined and I don’t know what 2024 holds and whether or not I'll continue Cruising With Honey. Or maybe it’s just that endings are always sad, and it is the last day of the year.
From icebergs in Antarctica to the pyramids in Egypt, the canals of Venice to the majestic fjords in Norway, 2023 has without a doubt been the most extraordinary year.
I have now cruised the seven continents of the world!
30 flights, 12 cruises (plus one shipyard visit), 18 countries and 58 nights at sea!
Before going into a cruise-by-cruise review, I need to thank you all for your support. While I know that across the Cruising With Honey platforms (this blog, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) the statistics tell me I’ve reached 10 million plus people this year, I can honestly say, when I write and create videos and publish on social media, the only person I have in mind is you. Yes, you, who right now took the time to engage with me. For me, this is the ultimate privilege, making that one-on-one connection. Thank you for being with me, every step of the way.
30 flights, 12 cruises (plus one shipyard visit), 18 countries and 58 nights at sea!
Before going into a cruise-by-cruise review, I need to thank you all for your support. While I know that across the Cruising With Honey platforms (this blog, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) the statistics tell me I’ve reached 10 million plus people this year, I can honestly say, when I write and create videos and publish on social media, the only person I have in mind is you. Yes, you, who right now took the time to engage with me. For me, this is the ultimate privilege, making that one-on-one connection. Thank you for being with me, every step of the way.
I’d also like to thank the hard-working public relations and marketing teams who do so much behind the scenes to coordinate my flights, accommodation, cruises, meals, transfers and every other detail to ensure a safe and smooth trip. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. And, I’d be remiss in not thanking the incredible crew members on every ship I’ve cruised on for their wonderful hospitality.
And lastly, I want to thank my family who support and love and unwaveringly say “YES” every time I tell them about an opportunity. I could not have achieved any of this without my husband and daughters.
January
And lastly, I want to thank my family who support and love and unwaveringly say “YES” every time I tell them about an opportunity. I could not have achieved any of this without my husband and daughters.
So, let’s set sail on my 2023 cruise recap. Anchors Aweigh!
January
Destination - Antarctica
Cruiseline - Swan Hellenic
Ship - SH Vega
Ship numbers - 122 crew, 158, Guests 9 Decks, gross tonnage 10,617
Best memory
It’s almost impossible to pick out one ‘best memory’ as the whole experience was extraordinary. When people ask me, “What is the best cruise you’ve been on?” I reply that nothing will ever compare to cruising to Antarctica.
I was so nervous before embarking on this expedition. It was a LONG way from Sydney and I was anxious to be so far from my family. However, every single moment was incredible. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changed my perspective on life. The beauty is near impossible to describe, the feeling of solitude and inner quiet is powerful and the privilege of actually visiting this most remote place on earth is priceless.
Plus, jumping in the Weddell Sea in near-freezing temps is now my biggest flex! More than 2 million people have now seen that moment.
But, to note a few, I would have to say:
• Seeing the first iceberg
• Walking on continental Antarctica
• The penguins and orcas
• Taking the Polar Plunge
• Cruising through the Paradise Bay – the most breathtaking place I’ve ever seen.
Not so best memory
The Drake Passage. I’ve never felt so seasick in my life! I got the super shake Drake.
Word of the cruise
Extraordinary
Grateful to…
Brigita Devries and Julie Jones. The incredible team aboard SH Vega and my fellow passengers, many who are now friends for life.
Numbers at a glance
7 flights
1 night pre-cruise in Buenos Aires
1 cruise
10 nights at sea
Two expeditions per day
5 cities (Dallas, Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Miami, Los Angeles)
2 countries (United States, Argentina)
3 Continents (North America, South America, Antarctica)
February
Cruiseline - Princess
Ship - Majestic Princess
Ship numbers - 1300 crew, 3500 guests, 15 decks, gross tonnage 140, 000
Best memory
This was the shortest turnaround between cruises I’ve ever had! 40 hours between arriving home from Antarctica and then flying to Dunedin, New Zealand. I actually got pulled up at Sydney airport to explain my travel!
New Zealand’s natural beauty is by far the standout. Dunedin is stunning and untamed. It was also great to finally get to Tasmania and try a famous Scallop Pie.
Not so best memory
The weather took a nasty turn and we unfortunately had to skip the beautiful fiordland. However the silver lining was spending several sea days on the beautiful Majestic Princess and use the MedallionApp
Word of the cruise
Love Boat!
Grateful to…
Meg Koffel, SEC Newgate PR team, and of course the crew. Shout out to the other journos on this cruise who were so warm and friendly. Again, new friends for life.
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
1 night pre-cruise in Dunedin
1 cruise
5 nights at sea
1 port stop (Hobart)
3 cities (Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart)
1 country (New Zealand)
1 continent (Australasia)
Grateful to…
Meg Koffel, SEC Newgate PR team, and of course the crew. Shout out to the other journos on this cruise who were so warm and friendly. Again, new friends for life.
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
1 night pre-cruise in Dunedin
1 cruise
5 nights at sea
1 port stop (Hobart)
3 cities (Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart)
1 country (New Zealand)
1 continent (Australasia)
February
Destination - Cambodia and Vietnam
Cruiseline - Emerald Cruises
Ship - Emerald Harmony
Ship numbers 40 Crew, 84 Guests, 4 Decks, length 239ft
Best memory
Being surprised by my best friend Jo Jo, who booked without my knowledge and surprised me at the hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
I’d never had the urge to really explore Cambodia and Vietnam, and being immersed in this beautiful culture and warm people was truly amazing. A weird thing also happened, I formed a bond, a connection with the Mekong River. I know is sounds odd, but being on a river is completely different to cruising the sea. I love the deep life it resonated.
The crew were impeccable. Some of the best. The shore excursions full of life and colour and fun!
Not so best memory
This one is still hard to write about, and while it was gut wrenching and soul shredding, visiting the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum in Cambodia was vital. I cried buckets and a deep sadness overtook me. However, it was imperative to acknowledge, pay my respects and remember the lives lost.
Word of the cruise
Spirituality
Grateful to…
Angus Crichton and Judith Hainke. I have so much love for you both.
Numbers at a glance
3 flights
1 night pre-cruise in Phnom Penh
1 cruise
7 nights at sea/river
7 port stops
6 cities (Phnom Penh, Saigon, Prek Kadam, Tan Chau, Tam Nong, Sa Dec)
2 countries (Cambodia, Vietnam)
1 Continent (Asia)
March
Destination - Venice, Italy
Cruiseline - Princess Cruises
Ship - Sun Princess
Cruiseline - Princess Cruises
Ship - Sun Princess
Fincantieri Ship yard visit
Best Memory
This was a unique and totally memorable experience. I was one of only two Australians to be invited to see Sun Princess in the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. It was a long way to go for a ship tour BUT I had the exquisite experience of spending two days in probably the most romantic city in the world, Venice.
This was a unique and totally memorable experience. I was one of only two Australians to be invited to see Sun Princess in the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. It was a long way to go for a ship tour BUT I had the exquisite experience of spending two days in probably the most romantic city in the world, Venice.
Not so best memory
The visit was too short.
Word of the cruise
Aperol Spritz!
Grateful to…
Meg Koffel and my new tech guru friend Geoff Quattromani who joined us on the adventure
Numbers at a glance
4 flights
2 nights Venice
1 ship tour
3 cities (Venice, Trieste, Dubai)
2 countries (Italy, UAE)
2 continents (Europe, Asia)
April
Destination - Cruise to nowhere (Out at sea from Sydney)
Cruiseline - Celebrity Cruises
Ship - Celebrity Eclipse
Not so best memory
Not cruising with my group
Word of the cruise
Heartbroken
Grateful to…
My lovely group who still cruised and had provided me lots of feedback on a ship and a cruiseline I have not yet sailed.
June
Destination - Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays
Cruiseline - P&O Australia
Ship - Pacific Encounter
Ship numbers 1100 Crew, 2600 Guests, 14 Decks, tonnage 108,865
Best memory
Finally cruising on Encounter and snorkelling in a different part of the Great Barrier Reef. Seeing so many crew members who I hadn’t seen in two years. They make my heart so full.
Not so best memory
Nothing to post here other than the grey weather.
Word of the cruise
Jetboat
Grateful to…
Lynne Scrivens, SEC Newgate, Goode PR
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
1 cruise
4 nights at sea
1 port stop
2 cities (Brisbane, Airlie Beach)
1 country (Australia)
1 continent (Australia)
July
Destination - Moreton Island, Queensland
Cruiseline - Carnival Cruiseline Australia,
Ship - Carnival Splendor
Ship numbers 1150 Crew, 3000 Guests, 13 Decks, tonnage 113,300
Best memory
It was the Honey Birthday Cruise! Cruising with a huge group of Cruising With Honey family members PLUS Mr Cruising With Honey PLUS my parents. The crew made a HUGE big deal for my birthday – cocktail party, massive cake and lots of lovely treats.
Not so best memory
The buffet has really slipped in quality. Very sad.
Word of the cruise
Birthday Cruise
Grateful to…
Kara Glamour, Amy Ward and the incredible crew
Numbers at a glance
0 flights
1 cruise
4 nights at sea
1 port stop
1 city/island (Moreton Island)
1 country (Australia)
1 continent (Australasia)
September
Destination - Norway
Cruiseline - MSC
Ship - MSC Euribia
Ship numbers 1700 Crew, 6327 Guests, 18 Decks, tonnage 181,000
Best memory
Where do I begin? Firstly, spending two day pre-cruise in Copenhagen, Denmark and being spoilt with incredible sightseeing by a beautiful and generous couple I met on my Antarctica cruise.
Destination - New Zealand
Cruiseline - Princess Cruises
Ship - Royal Princess
Ship numbers 1346 Crew, 3560 Guests, 19 Decks, tonnage 142,000
Best memory
Being aboard Royal Princess as she sailed into Sydney Harbour for the very first time. And the crew! Standout service, food, hospitality, friendliness.
Not so best memory
Zero. Loved every single second. MedallionApp still the best tech at sea.
Word of the cruise
Royal
Grateful to…
Meg Koffel, Captain Andrea Spinardi, HD Helmut
Numbers at a glance
1 flight
1 cruise
5 nights at sea
2 cities (Auckland, Bay of Islands)
1 port stop (Bay of Islands)
1 country (New Zealand)
1 continent (Australasia)
October
Destination - United States, Mexico
Cruiseline - Oceania
Ship - Oceania Vista
Ship numbers 800 Crew, 1469 Guests, 15 Decks, tonnage 67,000
Best memory
Stepping aboard my first Oceania ship and being utterly amazed by the ship’s decor. Absolutely stunning, especially the main dining room. Visiting Ensenada and being very surprised by the fun locals.
Not so best memory
The crew not having the ingredients to make a mojito…..(ha, ha!)
Word of the cruise
“Do you want a boyfriend for the day?” (in Ensenada, Mexico)
Grateful to…
Jodi Hart, Jill Collins and the Barking Owls Communications team
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
1 cruise
2 nights at sea
2 nights in Los Angeles pre-cruise
1 port stop (Ensenada, Mexico)
2 cities (Los Angeles, Ensenada)
2 countries (US, Mexico)
1 continent (North America)
November
Destination - Greece, Turkey, Cyrpus, Egypt
Cruiseline - Celestyal
Ship - Celestyal Journey
Ship numbers 600 Crew, 1200 Guests, 13 Decks, tonnage 55,000
Best memory
Seeing the Pyramids of Giza - a dream come true. Travelling with my middle daughter and exploring three continents together. Every port, every meal, every moment, every interaction with crew was absolutely magical.
Not so best memory
The cancellation of finally visiting my parents’ birthplaces of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. I completely understand and support the decision made by Celestyal and grateful to them for keeping crew and passengers safe.
Word of the cruise
Pyramids
Grateful to…
Stewart Williams, Mary Williams, and Monique from Gate 7 and the entire crew.
Numbers at a glance
4 flights
1 cruise
7 nights at sea
3 nights in Athens, Greece pre-cruise
5 port stops (Crete, Cyprus, Rhodes, Turkey, Egypt)
8 cities (Athens, Heraklion, Alexandria, Cairo, Paphos, Doha, Lindos, Kusadasi)
5 countries (Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Qatar)
3 continents (Europe, Asia, Africa)
December
Two back-to-back cruises aboard Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady. The first was a 2-night showcase cruise from Sydney to Melbourne, then a 5-night from Melbourne to Tasmania for the MerMaiden voyage.
Destination - Melbourne Australia and Tasmania
Cruiseline - Virgin Voyages
Ship - Resilient Lady
Ship numbers 1160 Crew, 2770 Guests, 17 Decks, tonnage 110,000
Best memory
Cruising on the first two Virgin Voyage sailing in Australia. And, um, yeah, jumping in a pool fully clothed with Sir Richard Branson. Also, sailing with my darling first born.
Not so best memory
Technical glitch before the boarding in Melbourne and standing in the rain.
Word of the cruise
Scarlett Night and fun nautical puns - too many to list.
Grateful to…
Sharon Hando, Justin Southern, Cruise Critic and the team at Enthral.
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
2 cruises
7 nights at sea
2 nights Melbourne pre-cruise
3 port stops (Melbourne, Hobart, Burnie)
3 cities (Melbourne, Hobart, Burnie)
1 country (Australia)
1 continent (Australasia)
Cruiseline - MSC
Ship - MSC Euribia
Ship numbers 1700 Crew, 6327 Guests, 18 Decks, tonnage 181,000
Best memory
Where do I begin? Firstly, spending two day pre-cruise in Copenhagen, Denmark and being spoilt with incredible sightseeing by a beautiful and generous couple I met on my Antarctica cruise.
Cruising into the fjords, exploring the incredible nature of Norway, taking a jet boat ride into the Geirangerfjord. And the SHIP! What a stunning vessel. Ranks in the top 5 ships I’ve cruised.
Not so best memory
The stopovers in Bangkok airport. 7 hours one way and 9 hours the other.
Word of the cruise
Fjord
Grateful to…
Lynne Clarke, Leisa Chell, and the entire MSC Australia team.
Numbers at a glance
4 flights
1 cruise
7 nights at sea
5 port stops
6 cities (Copenhagen, Allesund, Flam, Hellesylt, Kiel, Bangkok)
4 countries (Denmark, Norway, Germany, Thailand)
2 continents (Europe, Asia)
October
Not so best memory
The stopovers in Bangkok airport. 7 hours one way and 9 hours the other.
Word of the cruise
Fjord
Grateful to…
Lynne Clarke, Leisa Chell, and the entire MSC Australia team.
Numbers at a glance
4 flights
1 cruise
7 nights at sea
5 port stops
6 cities (Copenhagen, Allesund, Flam, Hellesylt, Kiel, Bangkok)
4 countries (Denmark, Norway, Germany, Thailand)
2 continents (Europe, Asia)
October
Destination - New Zealand
Cruiseline - Princess Cruises
Ship - Royal Princess
Ship numbers 1346 Crew, 3560 Guests, 19 Decks, tonnage 142,000
Best memory
Being aboard Royal Princess as she sailed into Sydney Harbour for the very first time. And the crew! Standout service, food, hospitality, friendliness.
Not so best memory
Zero. Loved every single second. MedallionApp still the best tech at sea.
Word of the cruise
Royal
Grateful to…
Meg Koffel, Captain Andrea Spinardi, HD Helmut
Numbers at a glance
1 flight
1 cruise
5 nights at sea
2 cities (Auckland, Bay of Islands)
1 port stop (Bay of Islands)
1 country (New Zealand)
1 continent (Australasia)
October
Destination - United States, Mexico
Cruiseline - Oceania
Ship - Oceania Vista
Ship numbers 800 Crew, 1469 Guests, 15 Decks, tonnage 67,000
Best memory
Stepping aboard my first Oceania ship and being utterly amazed by the ship’s decor. Absolutely stunning, especially the main dining room. Visiting Ensenada and being very surprised by the fun locals.
Not so best memory
The crew not having the ingredients to make a mojito…..(ha, ha!)
Word of the cruise
“Do you want a boyfriend for the day?” (in Ensenada, Mexico)
Grateful to…
Jodi Hart, Jill Collins and the Barking Owls Communications team
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
1 cruise
2 nights at sea
2 nights in Los Angeles pre-cruise
1 port stop (Ensenada, Mexico)
2 cities (Los Angeles, Ensenada)
2 countries (US, Mexico)
1 continent (North America)
November
Destination - Greece, Turkey, Cyrpus, Egypt
Cruiseline - Celestyal
Ship - Celestyal Journey
Ship numbers 600 Crew, 1200 Guests, 13 Decks, tonnage 55,000
Best memory
Seeing the Pyramids of Giza - a dream come true. Travelling with my middle daughter and exploring three continents together. Every port, every meal, every moment, every interaction with crew was absolutely magical.
Not so best memory
The cancellation of finally visiting my parents’ birthplaces of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. I completely understand and support the decision made by Celestyal and grateful to them for keeping crew and passengers safe.
Word of the cruise
Pyramids
Grateful to…
Stewart Williams, Mary Williams, and Monique from Gate 7 and the entire crew.
Numbers at a glance
4 flights
1 cruise
7 nights at sea
3 nights in Athens, Greece pre-cruise
5 port stops (Crete, Cyprus, Rhodes, Turkey, Egypt)
8 cities (Athens, Heraklion, Alexandria, Cairo, Paphos, Doha, Lindos, Kusadasi)
5 countries (Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Qatar)
3 continents (Europe, Asia, Africa)
December
Two back-to-back cruises aboard Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady. The first was a 2-night showcase cruise from Sydney to Melbourne, then a 5-night from Melbourne to Tasmania for the MerMaiden voyage.
Destination - Melbourne Australia and Tasmania
Cruiseline - Virgin Voyages
Ship - Resilient Lady
Ship numbers 1160 Crew, 2770 Guests, 17 Decks, tonnage 110,000
Best memory
Cruising on the first two Virgin Voyage sailing in Australia. And, um, yeah, jumping in a pool fully clothed with Sir Richard Branson. Also, sailing with my darling first born.
Not so best memory
Technical glitch before the boarding in Melbourne and standing in the rain.
Word of the cruise
Scarlett Night and fun nautical puns - too many to list.
Grateful to…
Sharon Hando, Justin Southern, Cruise Critic and the team at Enthral.
Numbers at a glance
2 flights
2 cruises
7 nights at sea
2 nights Melbourne pre-cruise
3 port stops (Melbourne, Hobart, Burnie)
3 cities (Melbourne, Hobart, Burnie)
1 country (Australia)
1 continent (Australasia)